Front-runner: Brad Sheppard in position to mark against Brendon Goddard. Photo: Michael Dodge

The Eagles went into their forward line 14 times in the opening term and managed 12 scoring shots, kicking 7.5. From their 54 forward entries over four quarters, West Coast had 35 scoring shots, kicking 1.23.11.

The Bombers did nothing to alleviate serious concerns that teams boasting tall forward lines will be able to score heavily against them this year.

On tap: Nic Naitanui goes up against Mark Jamar of the Bombers. Photo: Michael Dodge

Height is what they are badly missing as a result of the mass suspensions.

New recruit Matthew Leuenberger will help out in that area. The former Brisbane ruckman starred in the VFL against Geelong on Saturday to put his hand up for a spot in Round 1 against the Gold Coast.

But he won't play in defence. Nor will ruckman Mark Jamar, who scored the Bombers only goal in the first term on Sunday.

Significantly, Jamar was on the end of a chain of possessions that featured Adam Cooney, Brendon Goddard and David Zaharakis.

Those guys are going to need to feature regularly in games this season if the Bombers are going to buck the odds this season.

With 26 possessions, Zaharakis trailed only Matthew Stokes (28) in the possession count for the Bombers – the pair were key to the Bombers not losing by a lot more.

At half-time, West Coast led by 10 goals.

Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy kicked one goal each side of the quarter-time siren, Jack Darling had two and Jeremy McGovern booted the last two of the half.

Big Scott Lycett had one as well as did those who regularly hit the scoreboard – Hill, Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff and Mark LeCras.

The Eagles had 13 marks inside 50 at half-time and all except one were uncontested.

It was all just a bit too easy.

The use of McGovern and Darling is what could be the difference for the Eagles this season.

With Eric Mackenzie back in defence, McGovern is free to run and that's what he did on Sunday. He is already proving to be a massive addition to the forward-line, kicking three goals against the Bombers, having spent time at both ends of the ground. Darling enjoyed some time in the midfield and managed five clearances. He also booted three.

Now take a look at the players who were getting the ball for Essendon in that first half; in the last pre-season hit-out when players are fighting for a place in the team in Round 1.

The three highest ball winners for the Bombers were Mathew Stokes, Jon Simpkin and Matt Dea.

James Kelly had the most clearances for the Bombers and, along with Stokes, had earned the most contested possessions.

Sam Grimley had kicked one of their three goals (and finished with two).

Jamar, who led the ruck, was, along with those just mentioned, the six (of 10) top-up players taken to Perth.

That Jamar goal in the opening term was a good win for the big man who had struggled early in the game against Naitanui, especially in the centre square.

Naitanui had played a big part in West Coast having six goals on the board by the time the Bombers scored their first.

By the half-way mark of the second term, when Gaff kicked their ninth goal, the Eagles had their biggest score of this pre-season.

Liam Duggan became the 13th West Coast goal scorer just before the 20-minute mark of the third term, taking the margin to 98 points.

West Coast kicked seven goals (including an Elliot Yeo supergoal) in the third term to have 21 by the final break.

They had just six players missing from last year's Grand Final loss to Hawthorn.

Callum Sinclair (Sydney) and Matt Rosa (Gold Coast) have moved on to other clubs, so they won't be back.

​Sharrod Wellingham, Christ Masten, Mark Hutchings and Dom Sheed are all doubtful for Round 1, having not played against the Bombers on Sunday.

New recruit Lewis Jetta, who missed the clash against the Bombers with a calf injury, is likely to play against the Brisbane Lions on Easter Sunday.